Banned drinker ready to quit Coast

FACING a life ban from all licensed venues on the Capricorn Coast, Lachlan McQuilty is considering moving states and starting a new life.

The Yeppoon 19-year-old yesterday spoke to The Morning Bulletin for the first time about his current 12-month ban and potential life exclusion.

He described his predicament as "ridiculous" and said he was looking to move as far away as Perth for employment and to "get away from it all".

Lachlan wanted to tell his side of the story, after an article was published in yesterday's edition detailing his appearance in Yeppoon Magistrates Court last week for three counts of contravening a banning order.

Lachlan was the first in the Rockhampton district to be charged with that offence and he received a $750 fine, but chairman of the Capricorn Coast Liquor Accord, John Foley, stated he may be further punished when the group meets next month.

Lachlan said his current 12-month ban stemmed from one incident at a pub where he was drunk and someone tried to fight him, and he didn't expect to be so severely punished for his actions.

He said the ban meant he would have to miss his sister's milestone 18th birthday celebrations in April, and it had affected his social life.

He wanted other people to be aware of what they could face on a night out.

"One time when I was drunk and disorderly in a pub and I get a 12-month ban. I think it's a bit steep," he said.

Lachlan said he "wouldn't care" if he was only banned from the venue where the incident occurred, but the ban from all venues had made his family and social life tough.

He said he feared receiving a life ban and felt that he didn't deserve such punishment.